my lately

Waking to the sound of birds hungry for spring. Lately, these have been coffee mornings and tea afternoons. Salad has returned to the table with an unquenchable longing for greens. Traipsing through the city for new treasure and old comforts, Toronto unfurling from winter, a slow smile returning to its face. A long-time friend was here for four days: picnic essentials and an armload of tulips gathered from St. Lawrence Market; rice bowls eaten in Trinity Bellwoods Park at twilight. It was hard to say goodbye to the easy comfort of someone who knows every shade of me. Flowers on the table lean towards the light, windows open, the promise of longer days. Ranunculus appear in the market stalls—even the florists sound relieved, their voices lifting as we chat. A momentary flash of red as a cardinal touches down just beyond the living room window. There’s no rushing spring, but oh how we need its balm. Hello, friends. I’ve missed being here!